Reverend Neil Summers, from the St John the Divine of Richmond church opposite where the body was found, said he was "shocked" and would lead prayers for the dead man.

He told The Press Association: "It's shocking, you do not expect these things to happen on your patch really. In one sense it's not totally surprising as it's happened before.

"It's very shocking when it's so close to you. We are going to say prayers for the people concerned tonight."

This is not the first time that stowaways have fallen to their deaths from planes. Most die from freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen, but those who survive the conditions also face the danger of falling from the plane.